The US Eagles international rugby team will mark the anniversary of the September 11 attacks just hours before their World Cup campaign opens against Ireland on Sunday.
The Eagles will attend a New Plymouth church service together with an estimated 800 people, including local firefighters and US Marine Corps band members.
Taranaki Fire Service Area Manager Pat Fitzell told APNZ he will be carrying a New Zealand flag into the Church. He said US military personnel will carry the American flag into the church.
Fitzell said in previous years, his crew had honoured American firefighters who died in the September 11 attacks. However, this year marks the biggest ceremony yet held at the Church.
Fitzell said the US Marine Corps' Pacific Band, based in Hawaii, will also attend the service.
The non-denominational service at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church will be one of the first in the world to honour the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
US Ambassador David Huebner is also expected to attend the service, according to the International Rugby Board.